This cookbook was an absolute delight! Part cookbook, part therapy session, and every moment has you sinking deeper and deeper into peaceful bliss. The stories are written very well, and are very relatable, so that any reader can pull different life lessons out of each story. The recipes seem very comforting and down-to-earth, and though i haven't tried every single recipe, the ones I have tried have been delicious! The life lessons in this book are gold - this book will revive your love of food and erase your fear of cooking in the kitchen. Not only that, but it will revive your love of yourself and erase the fears and anxiety that you have in life. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for ways to learn to love cooking and themselves again.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

More guidebook than cookbook in my opinion. The recipes aren’t my cup of tea but I loved the message of this book.

How refreshing! a book that is realistic and understands how I sometimes feel about preparing food. 90% of the time I love cooking but at least once a week I get home late and feel overwhelmed by the decision of what I'm going to make that pleases everyone, is healthy-ish and will be ready on time. This book includes great recipes which are easy, well presented and don't expect too much from you, they are good enough!

This is a self help bible for home cooks who sometimes feel stressed about feeding the family when short on time and energy.

I really enjoyed this book. Unlike many other cookbooks, which do often include a backstory or something sentimental from the author, this author lays her soul bare for the reader to see. Her humility and willingness to be vulnerable with total strangers, though, makes it really refreshing.

For a lot of people, food can be wrapped in judgements and difficult feelings - Leanne Brown's vulnerability lets you know that you're not alone if experiencing similar emotions. And this extends beyond food-related emotions, but just emotions in general or anxiety or challenging mental health states.

So many of us are so busy and so mentally strained that the idea of preparing a meal can feel like an insurmountable task. Brown breaks down the steps to their most basic components in an effort to make it just that much easer. The recipes are generally pretty simple to put together - great when you're short on mental capacity or energy. Brown even includes a tl;dr at the top of most of the recipes for when you don't have the capacity to read all the way through a recipe to find out if it's for you. There's even a section of recipes for "when you're struggling" and have no willpower to make yourself a meal, but know you need to eat. And she reminds the reader throughout the book that, as the title suggests, sometimes good enough really is good enough.

Good Enough: A Cookbook: Embracing the Joys of Imperfection, in and out of the Kitchen by Leanne Brown is currently scheduled for release on January 4 2022. After writing and launching Good and Cheap, the cookbook with a social purpose that has over 500,000 copies in print, Leanne Brown went into a tailspin. She was burnt out and depressed, and fell into a pattern of using guilt and fear to get herself back into facing the day. Her dream of becoming a cookbook author was turning into a nightmare. Something had to change. What changed, and how, is the journey of Good Enough, a deeply personal cookbook with a profoundly uplifting, relatable message. A generous mix of essays, stories and nearly 100 dazzling recipes, Good Enough is about self-compassion, and knowing it's OK to have a cheese plate for dinner. About the practice of gratitude, and ten breakfasts to start your morning right, like Creamy Hands-Off Scrambled Eggs. About cooking as self-care, and healing your spirit with a comforting Salmon Dinner Pie. About overcoming barriers like social anxiety, and embracing entertaining with Smoky Honey Shrimp Tacos with Spicy Fennel Slaw. About knowing it’s hard but you’re completely worth it—and indulging yourself with My Spicy Umami Noodles. About giving yourself permission to feel great—so go ahead, have another Sticky Toffee Cookie. There are no judgments here. And ultimately, it's about embracing the joy of imperfection to find peace and happiness in and out of the kitchen. Because good enough is great.

Good Enough is a cookbook that embraces mindfulness and kindness, toward ourselves and others. We all have moments of being overwhelmed, burned out, depressed, or just out of it enough that putting in the effort to feed ourselves (and/or our families) seems like it is too much. This book offers a judgement free look at how we can be prepared enough to already have most necessary ingredients around so that we do not have to make an extra trip to the store, and the understanding to know that a dinner of snack like foods is just fine if that is what we want or all that we can handle on any given day. It gives great recipes and tip to make cooking less stressful, and offers readers the sense of forgiveness and kindness that so many of us offer others while failing to provide it for ourselves. The majority of the book is not the recipes, but essays and suggestions for self care and taking care of yourself even when it might feel like it is too much effort. Looking at the last two years, I think this book could be a helpful and interesting read for many. I would have preferred more recipes, preferably with more photographs of the food. I also had some serious issues with formatting in the digital galley- however I am going to hope that formatting will be a non issue with the final version of the book.

Good Enough is a book about self care and kindness towards ourselves, with a selection of recipes and cooking tips to make the process more mindful than stressful.

I am conflicted on this one, and I looooooove all types of cookbooks. I really like the realistic expectations set forth by the anecdotes and writing part of this. Sometimes, you aren’t looking for great, you are just looking for good enough. And I like that. Nobody is perfect here, we’re all just people… And this book even has a couple of pretty good recipes too. But then there seems to be a bit of a disconnect between the message (just do your best) and the recipes (which frankly… a majority are pretty… unrealistic…) I expected it to be more “Omelet turned accidental scrambled eggs” since that is keeping more with the good enough tone than a “Delicate Dill and Cheddar Omelette”. When I am struggling to be good enough, I am definitely struggling to procure fresh dill and perfectly timed omelets… Some of the content just seems a bit out of touch with the message of the book.

I received an ARC, but my opinions are all mine.

What a fun cookbook! I’m now considering purchasing the actual paper copy after reading advance electronic copy. The writer incorporates relatable stories and mental health excepts into the recipes and I particularly enjoyed her pages that give ideas such as grocery shopping pantry lists and ideas of how to make things such as smoothies and cheese boards. Wonderful!! As a dietitian I enjoyed the incorporation of veggies and healthier options into recipes.

What a lovely little self-help/cookbook. Heaps of lovely recipes and self-care tips to help anyone who needs to eat. :)

Not every dish needs to be perfect and this book is great for that message!

so sorry could not read the book any which way I tried on my kindle and my phone and computer did not work I was so upset I reached out but they coulnt do anything. Oh well

Good Enough by Leanne Brown is both more than just a cookbook, and also less than a cookbook for laissez faire cooks like myself. As someone who loves cooking but doesn’t like being bogged down by details, and regularly strays from the recipe, I thoroughly enjoyed the TL;DR notes under each recipe title. Sometimes you just wanna gather the ingredients and wing it without worrying too much about getting the process down to perfection. The Feeling Adventurous notes were right up my alley, as I rarely stick to a recipe, as written. For those that like “by the books” recipes and have the patience to measure and follow step-by-step instructions, no worries, those are also included. As an avid reader of cookbooks, I was pleasantly surprised to see many ideas that I haven’t yet come across. The salad section is exceptional and I can’t wait to try Emily’s Pizza Salad. The Cheesecake Pots look delicious and include staple ingredients that I always have on hand. The memoir portion of this book is great too. I found the anecdotes encouraging and relatable. Oh, and every recipe has a picture, which is a huge deal for me when reading cookbooks. I want to see pictures of all the recipes! I’m excited to go back and read Leanne Brown’s previous cookbook, Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day.

Thank you to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

A wonderful cookbook wrapped in a mental health guide.Cooking for yourself and family can be therapeutic.Love how Leanne Brown shows us how she stocks her kitchens what you need then there are recipes essays photos of meals you will want to devour.A book I will enjoy having in my kitchen and one that I will be gifting.#netgalley #goodenough

“For many people, cooking feels like an assignment from your least favorite class, which you undertake while dreading the C- you are sure you will receive.”

YES. YES IT DOES.

I’m the default meal planner, grocery shopper, and cook at my house, and it is a constant source of anxiety and stress for me. I hate it. All of it. The planning. The shopping. The stopping whatever I’m in the middle of doing to make dinner. The fear that what I make will be terrible, and I’ll have wasted all that time and energy and food. The worry that we’re not eating enough vegetables or protein or whole grains or whatever and my children will grow up to be fussy adults with scurvy.

But then… I love the actual part where I sit down and eat that dinner with my husband and kids. We have the most ridiculous conversations, and the dog is always under the table, and even if the food is not always the best thing ever, we are all fed and have spent time together. It’s my favorite. So how do I make getting to the sitting down part - the fun part - a less miserable process?

Enter Leanne Brown. I loved her first cookbook, Good and Cheap. She introduced me to the miracle that is smoked paprika on roasted cauliflower, and we use her pierogi recipe all the time. In her new cookbook, Good Enough, she talks about finding her way back to the joyful, enriching aspects of cooking. Learning to acknowledge and work through the stressful and sad parts of life, to care for herself, and to realize that good enough is good enough and that perfection is not required.

Her combination of vulnerability, honesty, and humor (and fantastic recipes!) is inspiring. I loved this book SO SO SO much and will be referring to it often — for recipes and for motivation.

TL;DR
Achievable, clearly-written, delicious recipes with a healthy side of encouragement.

Cooking as Self-Care
Book Review: Good Enough A COOKBOOK

Embracing the Joys of Imperfection, In and Out of the Kitchen by Leanne Brown

When I think of cooking I first always think of a simple homemade spaghetti bolognese. The first complete meal I learned to cook, helping my mother in the kitchen. A recipe that has embedded itself fully into my muscle memory so that I can use the steps as a base to so may variations or other nourishing, comforting meals. The process of cooking is so comforting and grounding I find that it helps me transition from one part of the day to the next.

The title of Good Enough: A Cook Book immediately grabbed my attention because it reminded me of a concept close to the heart of many a therapist, the concept of being good enough.

Unfortunately, cooking, like many other creative pursuits can trigger perfectionism, which sadly gets in the way of the grounding, calming effects that cooking can have.

There was something incredibly satisfying about coming across a book written with self-care and reducing perfectionism in mind. Leanne Brown shares her personal experience of finding a balance through approaching cooking as a self care practice. I found this approach very engaging although it always makes me sad to see a sentence like "knowing it's OK to have a cheese plate" as it saddens me to think of the stress and sadness that accompanies self criticism that people engage with when denying themselves something as wonderful as a cheese plate.

The book offers a range of recipes, with a distinctly American take on things, I must say I would probably prefer a wider range of choice. Having said that, I am particularly looking forward to trying the recipe for The Best Friend Salad that Leanne Brown puts together with roasted squash... it looks like the perfect salad to share.

GOOD ENOUGH by Leanne Brown is a mix of recipes and commentary from the author of Good and Cheap, one of my favorite cookbooks of the last few years. Brown subtitles her latest offering "Embracing the Joys of Imperfection and Practicing Self-Care in the Kitchen." For someone looking for a more "mindful" approach to cooking, this might appeal, but I was more interested in finding easy to make recipes. Brown definitely wants to support her readers, saying "my intention is for this book to be a gentle hug and a whisper in your ear that you are stronger than you know..." Throughout, she shares some cute graphics as well as attractive pictures of food and personal stories like the one that accompanies "How to Get a Girlfriend Salad" and describes her husband Dan's cooking. In another part of the book is a section titled "Being Your Own Best Parent" and a list of healing activities like cooking and baking, reading a novel, listening to music, walking or running, and drawing or writing. I think most of us have found solace in cooking and baking during the pandemic – many may enjoy making Brown's "Every Day is Summer Berry Cookie Bars" or "British Beer Cheese and Roasted Broccoli" or "Curried Chickpeas and Spinach." However, I wish there was even more overall emphasis on practical, nutritious recipes like those in her earlier cookbook.

This book brings to mind the adage 'food is love.' While here it relates mostly to loving ourselves (there's even a recipe for Self-Love Potion), there is just enough narrative dedicated to the ways that sharing food with others is also an expression of love. Entire cookbooks devoted to comfort food exist - I own several - but this book, in and of itself, is comfort, making every recipe within feel like a cozy hug - even the salads. I knew Leanne Brown would be my new kitchen BFF when I read her recipe I Spell Love Q-U-E-S-O. Same, Leanne. Same.

Interspersing heartwarming stories like Harry's Grilled Cheese and fun asides like A Gratitude Practice, How To Make Weekday Lunches More Intentional, and Make Your Own Happy Hour, Brown shows the delicious possibilities in culinary self-care. As a pescetarian, some of my favorite recipes in this collection are the Miso Salmon Taco Bowl, Jalapeno and Honey Biscuits, Sour Cream and Onion Potatoes, and Brunch Gnocchi. I love hot and hearty dips, and the British Beer Cheese is a new favorite. I'm also thrilled to have a few new tricks up my oven mitt to dress up a humble cheese or egg sandwich. With its gentle, encouraging tone, charming illustrations, mouthwatering photos, and simple yet delectable recipes, this cookbook is so much more than "Good Enough" for me.

I received a digital pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I'll be including it in an upcoming book blog post on upcoming releases for foodies. And, loved it so much that I pre-ordered a hard copy for my permanent collection.

Embracing good enough in the kitchen is a tale about depression livened up with some yummy looking recipes. It’s not just about culinary awesomeness but getting up day to day to deal with the stressors of life. I took to heart the advice… bookmarked a few recipes, and sending kudos to great author who cares about just being good enough! Four stars mon amie!

I loved the premise of this cookbook but the execution fell flat for me in a few ways. Brown has really written more of a self help book than cookbook, part memoir and part life advice with some recipes too. She writes about being very depressed at times, lonely, too sick from morning sickness to want to eat, not having the energy to cook, and issues like this. She does well at telling her own story and somewhat well in giving advice about loving yourself, taking care of yourself and how to keep going in the kitchen.

There are a number of recipes and I didn't find them very helpful for the main point of the book, as many are still rather fiddly. One of the first recipes is for zucchini muffins and she calls for a half cup of ground pistachios in them. You're supposed to grind the pistachios in a food processor and measure until you get a half cup. I was out already. First of all, I'd have to convert it to gluten free for my family and my husband and I couldn't eat them because we're keto. But even then, I don't want to have to repeatedly grind and measure pistachios for a zucchini muffin recipe in the morning, especially when I'm feeling depressed or not up to cooking! It baffles me that she'd lead with a recipe like this even if it's good. How is that easier than any other recipe?

The aforementioned food issues also ruled this cookbook out almost entirely for our family. Apparently people who are gluten free, keto, diabetic or vegan don't need self care or recipes. The vast majority of these recipes are very heavy on carbs and sugar. There are tons of desserts and there is generally sugar in even the dinner recipes. Even the pepperoni salad is drizzled with honey. Sorry, but all I could think is that this mindset of needing lots of carbs and sugar especially when we're down is part of the reason that more than half of the adults in the U.S. have diabetes or pre-diabetes (many of whom don't even know it). She does include a lot of healthier carbs like quinoa and farro, but these recipes are still off limits for me and they frankly didn't appeal to me.

The essays did have good messages for people who need to learn how to take care of themselves, forgive themselves, etc. but the recipes seem far too complicated for most people who really need them. There were a few lists of things that don't need cooking and can just be put together, and I would have loved an entire cookbook of that sort of thing instead of these recipes. Or even truly simple recipes -- remind people that you can do something like microwave a baked potato and top it with leftovers, or boil up a bag of chickpea pasta with a pound of frozen veggies added to the cooking water towards the end and then toss it with a homemade alfredo by just heating heavy cream, butter and parmesan until thick to make a sauce and have a restaurant worthy dinner in under 20 minutes that will feed 8 for under $10. Or mix and match omelets, or how to turn leftovers into curry with a can of coconut milk, a can of tomatoes and spices... I guess when I'm feeling worn down I really need more open-ended and easy recipes. Perhaps this book will be better for those who want inspiration in the form of specifics though.

I do empathize with Brown and wish her all the best. I see the good in her intent, and the recipes seem great for others. They just won't be a big fit for all.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

"My intention is for this book to be a gentle hug and a whisper in your ear that you are stronger than you know, and deserve love and care, wherever you are, whoever you are, and no matter what anyone else might have told you."
Leanne Brown (Good Enough)

"Good Enough is a cookbook by Leanne Brown where she shares her struggle with severe depression. This is her personal guide to recovery through comfort foods with easy recipes for days you may not feel like taking care of yourself.

The author gives step-by-step instructions on stocking your refrigerator and pantry so you don't feel overwhelmed by constant trips to the grocery store on days when life is stressful. Leanne gives ideas on how to take care of you and your family by keeping your life/recipes simple, but adding just the right garnish to show love through your cooking. Also, remembering to practice gratitude in daily living.

All the recipes did not fit my taste, but the message of recovery and self love is a beautiful concept. Cooking and life in general is not perfect, but it can be" Good Enough"

Thank you Leanne Brown for the courage to share your beautiful journey with us!. "Good Enough" will be published January 11, 2022.

Thank you NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for my free e-book.

Is this a cookbook or a self-help book? I don't care because as a mother of two who suffers from generalized anxiety disorder learning how to lower the bar and feel good about everything has always been a challenge. Not only are the recipes in this books manageable, but the lists, advice and author's tone supported me in a way that made me feel like I could succeed at everything from meal planning to hosting a dinner party. Brava!

This cookbook surprised me with its unique recipes. The self care element went really well with a cookbook and I hope we see more of this trend because cooking really is self care. Some of the recipes were a bit text heavy, but I enjoyed the layout overall. The photos were super appetizing and I have a ton of new recipes I want to try now. Highly recommend checking this out.